Light rail construction works begin again in 2017

Released 11/01/2017

Construction on stage 1 of the light rail project restarts this week, with Canberra Metro construction teams returning to work after the Christmas and New Year break.

“From later this week, we can expect to see increased activity along the light rail route as work on the development of Canberra’s first light rail line gets back underway after a short break,” Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris said.

“Last year saw the first sod turned for stage 1 of the Canberra light rail project. With construction now well under way, 2017 will see the transformation of the light rail corridor from Gungahlin to Civic, leading us towards project completion by the end of 2018.

“The light rail project forms part of the ACT Government’s commitment to ensuring Canberra remains a sustainable and creative city, that is easy to move around. Light rail will meet our future transport needs along one of Canberra’s busiest and fastest growing corridors. When integrated with our bus services and better active travel connections, light rail will contribute towards achieving a quick, efficient and reliable public transport system for our growing city.

“This year will see significant progress on the light rail project, with completion of the utility relocation and protection works, and commencement of major civil construction activities including laying of the concrete track form, bridge works on Flemington Road, tree planting and roadworks across the corridor.

“Work at the light rail depot will reach an important milestone later this year with the expected arrival of the first light rail vehicles. Landscaping works are also planned to commence across the project during late spring and early summer (being peak growing season), including the planting of new Eucalyptus mannifera trees, which are set to frame the revitalised Northbourne Avenue boulevard.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Canberra Metro and the ACT community on this exciting project this year, and would like to thank all residents and road users in advance for their patience while these works continue,” Minister Fitzharris said.

To keep up to date with Canberra light rail construction and traffic management, residents can now subscribe to the weekly construction update by emailing ‘subscribe’ in the subject field to lightrail@act.gov.au